Who Knew

By: Barry Diller

Narrated by: Barry Diller

Barry Diller, one of America’s most successful businessmen, reveals himself here—his successes, failures, and struggles—with surprising candor and intimacy in a memoir rich in Hollywood lore and filled with business acumen.

Writing in his singular voice, Barry Diller delivers an astute business memoir, an unvarnished look at Hollywood, a primer on media, and a surprisingly frank coming-of-age story.

“I want to work in the mail room at William Morris.” So begins Diller’s show business life. Diller did not aspire to be an agent, nor was he a glove fit for William Morris, the legendary talent agency he describes as resembling a “Jewish Vatican.” But he was a good assistant and student and took it all in.

Before long, Diller was offered a job at ABC. His ascent was meteoric, launching ABC TV’s Movie of the Week at age twenty-seven, becoming CEO of Paramount Pictures at age thirty-two, and launching the Fox TV network at age forty-four. Along the way, Diller oversaw the production of classic films such as Saturday Night Fever, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and Home Alone (a film he credits with saving Rupert Murdoch’s career) and hit TV shows such as The Simpsons, Married…with Children, and Cops. He programmed and developed by instinct—not by research or data.

Diller’s media savvy changed the course of American culture. His championing of Alex Haley’s Roots put long-form miniseries on the map. He was never cowed by the talent—actors, directors, and producers—and worked with them all. Indeed, throughout his career, Diller championed “creative conflict,” encouraging argument in every business he managed (“I’ve never thought decision-making should be peaceful,” he writes). Diller also recognized our digital future, founding IAC and growing it into a billion-dollar constellation of brands, including Match, Tinder, and Expedia.

Moving beyond business, Diller recounts his family life, personal struggles, and regrets, his joyful marriage to Diane von Furstenburg, and where he has found fulfillment.

Intimate, candid, and moving, Who Knew is a different kind of business memoir, one that holds nothing back.

Critic reviews

"Media powerhouse Barry Diller, at 83, offers an articulate, humble, and utterly honest account of his varied life."

What an amazing book!

I so loved this book. It is many things. It is a look behind the curtain at show biz machinations. It is the remarkable story of an undisciplined teen who has his share (maybe more than his share) of luck and leverages those opportunities to navigate the circuitous path to the very top of American enterprise. It is a chronicle of the attitudes and struggles of being gay. It is about appreciation and ultimately about love: for life, for risk-taking and for other human beings.

I read a lot of memoirs. Many are total bores, others seem like absolute fabrications. But the best give you a comprehensive portrait of a remarkable individual. That is definitely how I would describe Who Knew. This was a delight to read.

Great book & narrated by author

Great overview of 60s, 70s & 80s movie and TV industries. Very enjoyable. Barry Diller had a nice, clear voice for narration. Great job

Outstanding

An excellent read. What a life. I cannot recommend this book more. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

Such a Great Book

A great book by a brilliant, entertaining person. What more can I say? Absolutely nothing!

What a great accounting of his life

I really enjoyed listening to Barry go through all the stages of his life from youth to current. The business stories, the personal challenges, and the relationships were tremendous to hear about. one of my favorite books.